Starting this weekend, film fans heading to the local Athena Cinema might find that their visits help more than just themselves as they escape the summer heat.
Partnering up with Big Brothers Big Sisters, along with Athens County Children Services, Kids on Campus and the Child Advocacy Center, the Athena Cinema will begin its Beat the Heat summer screening series in order to help these organizations spread their causes.
“We approached the Athena Cinema and pitched the idea of a family-friendly and low-cost movie series this summer to serve multiple functions,” said Tara Gilts, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “(It serves) as a small fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, for community outreach to connect more kids and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and our partnering groups and as a way to provide a fun, safe, positive activity for kids.”
Diary of a Wimpy Kid will be the first film screened in the series Saturday, July 6. Next, there will be a screening of Coraline on July 13,
Dolphin Tale on July 20 and
Fantastic Mr. Fox on July 27. The screenings are all at 3 p.m. and are a suggested $2 to get in.
“We hope families enjoy a relaxing day at the movies and learn a little more about Big Brothers Big Sisters and the programs we provide for 5- to 17-year-old children throughout the community, as well as the outstanding services provided by Kids on Campus, the Child Advocacy Center, and Athens County Children Services,” Gilts said.
There will also be free popcorn, courtesy of Shagbark Seed and Mill. There will be raffles, vouchers and other giveaways at the screenings as well.
Among the prizes available in the raffles are splash passes, courtesy of the city of Athens, which will allow winners to have eight passes to the city pool.
“The objective is to provide a low-cost entertainment option, increase traffic to downtown-area businesses and support great local children's organizations,” said Alexandra Kamody, managing director of the Athena Cinema. “Our hope is that these screenings provide an opportunity for everyone in Athens during the summer to come together for fun, affordable entertainment.
Additionally, the first 50 people to attend the screening of
Diary of a Wimpy Kid will receive a free
Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, courtesy of the Athens Library. The library will be providing books at the
Fantastic Mr. Fox screening as well.
The Athena Cinema has some more programs lined up for the future, including a screening and discussion of the documentary
Bounty on the Bricks on Aug. 10.
“I am so grateful that so many different groups have collaborated to bring something positive and fun to local families,” Gilts said.
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